STUDY: 14% of Washington DC's Gay Men are HIV Positive

More sobering statistics on the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in our nation's capitol, which is the highest in the country and "on par with Uganda and some parts of Kenya." More than 14 percent of gay men in Washington D.C. are HIV positive and the rate for black gay men is "much" higher, according to a snapshot released by the D.C. HIV/AIDS Administration.

Interviews with 500 gay men throughout the District found that more than 40 percent were unaware of their diagnosis before the study, even though most had seen a doctor in the past 12 months, and more than a third did not know the HIV status of their last sex partner. The study also shattered some stereotypes: Younger men generally had safer sex behaviors; men older than 30 were tested less frequently, used condoms less often and had more sex partners... The report found that more than 40 percent of those interviewed said they did not use a condom with their last sex partner. Although men of color used condoms almost twice as frequently as white men, the study found more men of color were HIV positive than white men.

And:

Nearly 60 percent of gay men in the city living with HIV/AIDS are black, according to a 2008 study issued by the HIV/AIDS administration. Fewer than 35 percent are white, an indication that the prevalence rate among gay men in the study might be higher and compare less favorably with other cities if more black men were included in the study.

Last week, the District released figures that show the number of HIV/AIDS cases in the city has topped 16,500. For the first time in years the number of new AIDS cases and deaths have declined but black gay and bisexual men continue to be "exponentially" over-represented.

Some Background:
Report: New AIDS Cases and Deaths Decline in DC
Three Percent of Washington DC is HIV Positive
Young Black Gay Men Hit Hardest by New HIV Infections
HIV Spreading in NYC at Three Times National Rate
CDC: "Troubling" Rise in HIV Among Black Gay Men
HIV Rates Rising Among Black NYC Gay Men
30% of Chicago Black Gay Men HIV Positive

Comments

[S. Flemming]

Man 40 percent is a high number of people not using condoms. Sheesh. Scary.

[Rodney B]

It's even worse here in the ATL

[Corey]

Okay! I always find these "studies" astounding! The message of safer sex practices obviously isn't registering! It's almost like so much rhetoric anymore! I just can't figure why so many of us seem to have a DEATH WISH ?! Just straight hedonistic!!!

[Gee Gee]

We call Atlanta and D.C. the city of death. Because all the queens that get sick move there quick as they get their results! Its too scary....WOW!!

[Taylor Siluwé]

Safe sex messages aside, nothing will ever stop people from doing what feels good to them.

Like no amount of Surgeon General warnings and nagging friends will make smokers quit until they want to. Same for potheads. Same for people who are eating or drinking themselves into an early grave.

We all know the dangers. Some don't care. And sadly, that's life.

[MW09]

40% of men did not use a condom with their last sex partner and 33% did not know the HIV status of their last sexual partner!?!?! Seriously?!?! Some people just don't care about their lives....

[Andy Niable]

As someone who weathered the first wave and remains negative to this day, this is incredibly sad and maddening.

[AJ]

As a person who is 48, I pratice safe sex all these years. Yet, HIV is spreading now at an alarming rate via oral sex, which was said to have low risk. Not anymore!